For Brenda Jackson

For Brenda Jackson

Everyone in my entire family was saddened to hear that Dale Jr.’s mom, Brenda Jackson, passed away today. I have a short story about her that I’ve shared before and wanted to share again if only to give a small glimpse into what a kind, giving person she was.

In the winter of 2007, I had just moved to North Carolina, and been there three or four months, tops. I was 23. Not that I wasn’t old enough to be out on my own, but it was the first time my mom and dad were thousands of miles away.

Right after the racing season ended, I got sick. Only I didn’t just get a little sick. I got near-death sick. Two days went by where I was almost literally dead to the world, just laid up in my townhouse.

It got to the point where I needed someone to take me to the hospital.

A friend called Dale Jr., and his stepfather, Willie Jackson, answered. He came by and took me to Urgent Care, and when I got there, I started going into convulsions.

Then I passed out. I was really, really sick.

When I woke up, it took me a minute to get my bearings. I was in the house of Dale Jr.’s mom. Turned out I’d had a horrible case of the flu, and if Willie hadn’t shown up when he did, there was a good chance I might have died in my townhome.

The hospital was too nervous to send me home alone, so Brenda and Willie took care of me at their home for four or five days, until I was finally strong enough to recover on my own. Brenda cooked and got clothes for me as if I was her own son.

To this day, I’m incredibly grateful to her (and Willie) for taking care of me.

What a wonderful story Brad. I have never had the pleasure of meeting any of you, but you can tell by the way her children are that there is kindness that was taught to care from their parents. You were all blessed to have had the honor of knowing such a kind, compassionate family. My prayers go out to the Earnhardt family. My prayers go out to everyone. Nascar people are not fans we are family

Brad You continue to amaze me with your writing skills. I have always enjoyed your bradracing.com. This is a wonderful story of kindness & Love the Earnhardt family has shared with you.
God Bless the Earnhardt family & the entire racing community.

Brad thank you for sharing your story, it gave me a glimpse as to what a loving caring person she was, so happy they took such good care of you and you are here today to share with us..My prayers for Dale and Kelly and family for comfort at this sad time..

The passing of a Mother is one of the most difficult experiences that can be experienced by family members; yet, we can look above and know she is with members of her family who have gone before. Your Mother is making arrangements for future family members’ homecomings and there is a line from a song that says it all – “What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see” – I have enough faith in my hereafter for all of you to have a part of it. My Mother and the rest of my family are there to help your Mother make the transition and, Junior and Kelly, my here-on-earth love and my prayers are coming your way to help you both make the transition to life without the physical Mother you have known all your lives but, if you just look up and wave – she will see you and wave back and you will know it!